Bariatric Surgery

In the world today, both men and women constantly struggle to look good. Rooted in societal norms, beauty is often perceived as the physical attractiveness of a person, which includes not only the face, but the body as well. With the influences of media and Hollywood, our perception of beauty leans towards thin and slim bodies for women, and lean and firm structures for men.

Bariatric Surgery for weight loss

Regardless of the fact that we aspire for slimness, there are still a large number of people who are overweight and obese. Obesity is already considered a disease, and it should be treated by a medical professional. Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat, which can eventually result in many health complications. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about one in every three adult Americans is obese, which is a cause for concern. About 35 million women and around 28.6 million men are obese in America.

Bariatric Surgery treatment for obesity?

There are several treatments available for obesity and other weight issues, one of which is bariatric surgery. These procedures fall into three categories: predominantly malabsorptive procedures, predominantly restrictive procedures, and mixed procedures, which are a combination of the first two. An exampled of a mixed procedure is the gastric bypass surgery.

What does Bariatric surgery actually do?

Bariatric surgery generally involves reducing the size of the stomach, this preventing it from absorbing too much when digesting. One of the methods performed is vertical banded gastroplasty, in which a small portion of the stomach is banded or stapled, to create a smaller pouch. Another method is the adjustable gastric band, in which a strap or lap band is placed around the stomach, which can be tightened or loosened by the patient using a device placed under his skin. The purpose of the band is to decrease the size of the stomach, so that less amount of food can be accommodated.

Bariatric Surgery Diet

For the first three weeks following surgery, the patient is expected to have a full liquid diet, which includes milk and soups. Since the patient’s stomach has been reduced significantly, it can only hold small amounts of food. The person will then have to eat five or six small meals per day, instead of the usual three large meals. He should avoid anything with caffeine, alcohol, citrus, or too much sugar. To meet the nutritional needs of the patients, he should also take supplements in liquid form.

After the first three weeks, the diet can progress to pureed foods, much like that of blended baby foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, scrambled eggs, and certain types of cheese. Two months after surgery, the patient can eat normal foods but in moderation. He should also take very small mouthfuls of every meal, which he should chew completely. A lot of fluids is still recommended when normal diet is resumed.

Cost of Bariatric Surgery

A typical bariatric surgery may cost from $25,000 or more, and is dependent on the expertise of the medical team and the facilities involved. Some discomforts that the patient may feel after the surgery are: vomiting, excessive sweating, dizziness, diarrhea, and bloated stomach.